941-926-9650
Marque 2 para español
941-926-9650
Call Us! Monday - Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday 9am-6pm
Serving: Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties!
Est. 2010
.jpg)
.jpg)
Team
We are the #1 Driving School In Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough Counties!
Driving School of Florida has been serving the Manatee and Sarasota counties for over 10 years. Our growth has expanded into our neighboring counties of Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco.
Our Florida State Certified Instructors are available for any drivers thinking of traffic school, driver education, and/or parents concerned about their teenagers learning the proper fundamentals to drive safely, correctly and especially, defensively. All sessions will only be conducted with one driver and one instructor as we believe this is the safest and most efficient way for new or veteran drivers to maximize their learning experience.
We specialize in training drivers from all ages and all skill levels.
It is our sincere hope that all of our efforts will lead to a significant reduction in injury and loss of life while driving — whether you’re in Sarasota, Manatee, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough or Pasco Counties in Florida but also anywhere in the US!
All student cars are equipped with passenger side brakes to ensure Instructor control.
All student cars are equipped with state of the art gps trackers and dash/front cab cameras to ensure the safety of all students and instructors.
State Certified Driving Instructors
"In the world where roads stretch wide and wheels turn fast, driving instructors show us how to make the first step last. With hands on the wheel and rules in view, they guide us through streets, patient and true.
From signaling to merging, they teach us to navigate with care, instilling confidence with every mile we share.
Oh, driving instructors, masters of the road, your wisdom and guidance help lighten our load. Each lesson a step, each skill we acquire, you help us journey forward, safe and inspired."
.jpg)
Jim
Cohen
Hillsborough
Hello, Jim Cohen.... I am a Qualified and State certified driving instructor , Over Four Decades of total Driving experience, Plus Military Veteran, I provide Expert Instructions for teens and adults, specializing and defensive driving techniques and highway navigation (focus on beginner and nervous drivers) I am a passionate ,patient ,friendly Fun, instructor, known for a calm approachable manner, building confidence, focusing on knowledge of the road, rules of the road, practical Driving skills, common sense, and stress-free learning.... My goal is not just to help you pass the road test, but to ensure you feel comfortable navigating the roads independently, with life long driving skills. this is not only a driving lessons , but a life learning experience as well , thank you, be safe on the road, looking forward to teaching you.
Cortland Simmons
Hillsborough
Manatee
Sarasota
My name is Cortland Simmons. I am from McKenzie, Tennessee and pretty much grew up there! I grew up watching my grandfather work on cars since I was 11 years old. I have a passion for cars and how they work. I am thoroughly skilled with the ins and outs of a vehicle that I like to pass on to my students! I've been teaching people how to drive for close to 4 years now! Teaching people the proper ways of driving has become a passion of mine. since moving to Florida. Can't wait to work with you!
Katie Calderon
SARASOTA ONLY!
I am passionate about teaching safe driving skills to individuals with special needs and am dedicated to providing high-quality defensive driving instruction. I strongly believe that an individualized teaching approach allows each student to learn in a way that best suits their needs and at a pace that ensures confidence and understanding. It is incredibly rewarding to watch new drivers develop their skills and gain the confidence necessary to navigate today’s busy roads and highways safely. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
.jpg)
Stephen Roberts
Hillsborough
Pinellas
I'm Stephen. I have over 20 years of professional driving experience and over 2 years as a driving instructor. It's my goal to pass on my knowledge and hard earned experience to the next generation of drivers. Driving nowadays can be a high stress activity. But, with the right training and mindset, it doesn't have to be. I look forward to working with you to develop safe driving skills. We'll also have some fun along the way. See you soon.
George Trimm
Pasco
Pinellas
Hello, my name is George R. Trimm, and I am a certified driving instructor and have been teaching children and adults how to be a safe driver for the past 55 years now.
My specialties are teaching safe driving skills to special needs individuals. As a previous office manager for the (DMV) Department of Highway Safety, I am committed to being a good defensive driving instructor. I honestly believe that each student can and will succeed given the right kind of instruction. My individualized approach to teaching allows each student to learn in his or her own way, at his or her own pace.
My desire to teach safe driving skills to students makes me an enthusiastic educator, I am totally relaxed and comfortable when I teach; My most important teaching method is using positive reinforcement techniques. With constant encouragement and personal attention, every student can succeed. Students will excel when they know they can try anything without feeling inadequate or embarrassed. I look forward to seeing the inexperienced drivers learn and gain confidence in their new abilities to become safe drivers on our busy roads and highways.
I look forward to teaching you safe driving skills.
Yohan Leon
Habla español
Pasco/Pinellas
I'm a certified driving instructor with over 6 years of experience helping students in Florida become safe, confident drivers.
My teaching style is a little different-and that's exactly what makes it work so well. I love starting with students who are brand new to driving. Using my unique method, I focus on mastering turns first, because I believe that's the most challenging part of learning to drive. I teach not just how to handle the steering wheel but exactly how much and when to turn it. Once my students have turns down, driving in traffic becomes a whole lot easier-and much less intimidating.
Patience is one of my strongest skills and I adapt my lessons to match each students pace and learning style. I value collaboration, clear teaching, and staying organized, so every lesson builds on the last. My goal is simple: to give every student the confidence and skills they need to drive safely for life.
Jean
Osorio
Habla español
Manatee
I have extensive experience behind the wheel, including operating 18-wheelers, a wide range of cars and trucks, motorcycles, manual transmission vehicles, forklifts, and dump trucks. In addition, I have trained over 3,000 individuals, bringing a strong depth of practical knowledge and instructional experience to my teaching.
Rob Van Orden
Pasco/Pinellas
With a calm presence and a sharp eye for detail, I’m a dedicated driving instructor committed to helping students feel confident, capable, and safe behind the wheel. I believe learning to drive isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about building lifelong skills, awareness, and trust in yourself on the road.
I specialize in working with new and nervous drivers, creating a relaxed, supportive environment where questions are encouraged and progress happens at your pace. From mastering the basics to navigating real-world traffic situations, I break down each step into clear, manageable lessons so nothing feels overwhelming.
Patience, clear communication, and safety are at the core of my teaching style. Whether you’re preparing for your first license, brushing up on your skills, or overcoming driving anxiety, I’m here to guide you every mile of the way.
Celestino
Avila
Habla español
In office only
Hi! My name is Celestino Avila (nickname Sal). I'm bilingual and fluent in Spanish. I have 48 years of driving experience and have a good clean record. I am looking forward to teaching my students how to become a safe and confident driver behind the wheel.
Alex Suberbi
Habla español
Manatee/Sarasota
Hi, I’m Alex, a Bronx native and driving instructor with over six years of experience. I enjoy helping people feel comfortable behind the wheel, especially if they’re nervous or just starting out.
I focus on the small details that make a big difference—like pedal control, depth perception, and staying aware on the road—but most importantly, I help build confidence. Once you feel confident, everything else starts to fall into place.
I come from a hardworking background—my father is a retired corrections officer—and that’s shaped my patience, discipline, and the way I work with people every day.
I’m easygoing, outgoing, and a real people person, so lessons feel relaxed and supportive. My goal is simple: to help you become a safe, confident driver at your own pace.
Jose Leal Gonzalez
Habla español/French
Riverview
I believe that learning to drive needs to happen in a calm environment. Everyone is different, so each of my lessons are customized to best fit individual student needs and learn style. Every student can succeed. Students will excel when they know they can try anything without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. I teach stress-free driving lessons and create a fun learning environment. My teaching method is based on positive reinforcement and feedback techniques, with constant encouragement and personal attention.
My mission is to help student to gain confidence in their new abilities to become safe drivers on our busy roads and highways.
State Certified Examiners
"They mark each turn, each stop, each speed,
With quiet focus, they take the lead.
Not just a test, but a chance to show,
How well we've learned, how far we’ve grown.
Though the pressure may rise, and nerves may sway,
The examiner’s role is to guide the way.
Their wisdom sharp, their judgment true,
Helping us drive with confidence anew.
So here's to the examiners, patient and wise,
Who help us reach for the driving skies.
With every test, they play their part,
Shaping safe drivers, from the start."
Melanie Plummer
Stephen Roberts
Josselyn Negron
Habla español
Lutz
Greetings! My name is Josselyn Negron. I was born in Puerto Rico. I am a proud mom of 2 boys and a teacher from vocation. I taught fifth grade for 18 years. Being part of Driving School of Florida is a gratifying experience which is allowing me to continue guiding with kindness, ethics, and professionalism.
George Trimm
Celestino Avila
Habla español
Cortland Simmons
Behind the Scenes
Aleysha Rivera Morales
Habla español
Office Manager
Domingo Graterol Garcia
Habla español
Office Administrator
Chris Carrera
Office Manager
Cortland Simmons
Lead Instructor
Fleet Manager
Melanie Plummer
Owner
"As the owner of Driving School of Florida, I think it’s Important for anyone that considers
being trained by our company to understand that the overall motivating principal for our
school is Defensive Driving. This practice motivates drivers to maintain a high level of
situational awareness in an ever-changing driving environment.
The accident/crash statistics that surround driving (especially young/new/inexperienced
teenagers) in the United States is staggeringly high! We find this unacceptable and do
everything we can to help our students appreciate that driving safely is no accident.
These results are achievable by any driver, but it is something that is only achievable by
proactive adherence to our Defensive Driving Recipe that each student receives at the
beginning of their training.
I personally have over 7 years working as a certified driving instructor and certified state
Class E Driver License Examiner. I, and my instructors, approach every student with
patience and kindness, focusing on safety above anything else. We enjoy working with
students of all ages, including students with disabilities. We work together as a team to
teach in a way that is best for each individual student and their needs. Our mission is to
help make our roads safer, one student at a time, and thereby making everyone on the
roadways the beneficiary of that safe driving! We train your drivers as if they were
our own personal family members."
Testimonials
-
"I took lessons with instructor Jean Osório.
He is the best.
Very patient and very good at what he does.
I highly recommend this driving school. It is good for all ages.Thanks" -Agringa E. -
“I had the most wonderful experience with driving school of Florida, my instructor Katie was amazing! I got my drivers license today! I highly recommend this classes...”
-Norkis L.
-
“One of the best driving schools in Florida. Excellent customer service. Melanie and Chris are always a phone call away for all our needs related to driving. Quick response. Jim Cohen was my driving instructor, he has vast knowledge in teaching driving, gained loads of Confidence. I am so happy and made a right decision by joining driving school of Florida. My humble thanks to Melanie, Chris and Jim.”
-Neetu
-
“They are amazing!..My son driving Instructor Cortland was the best. Very patient and after the lessons my son got license on the first try. They are very professional and were always on time. I will use them again!.”
-Carmen P.